Add a designer touch to holiday decorating

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Pair bold hues with metallics for a ‘modern twist’

‘Tis the season to pull your holiday décor out of the dark corners of your basement or attic and deck your halls but you might also want to venture outdoors for some natural elements.

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“Personalizing your home through the year, especially at the holidays, is a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere within our homes,” says Lindsay Thornton, founder and creative director of Cornerstone Design & Build in Oakville.

Here are some of her suggestions on how to incorporate the latest holiday décor trends:

EMBRACE NATURAL ELEMENTS. “As much as possible, I love to use real greenery,” she says. “Try to incorporate items like pine or cedar branches, pinecones and dried citrus. One trick I love to do is use a fake garland outside or on a banister and/or mantel but use the boughs to attach real greenery such as pine, cedar and magnolia leaves. It creates a full-looking natural focal point that also smells amazing. When used outside, it will keep all winter long.”

MIX AND MATCH TEXTURES. One tip here is to layer fabrics. “Combine different textures such as velvet, knit and boucle in your throw pillows and blankets. This creates a cozy and inviting feel,” says Thornton. A second tip is to use metallic accents intentionally. “Add metallic touches through ornaments, tableware or decorative accents but be careful not to overdo it. When possible, a metallic object near a candle or soft light will accentuate and reflect the metallic to create an even more sophisticated look.”

EMBRACE BOLD COLOUR PALETTES. Thornton recommends going beyond traditional colours. “At the moment, colour drenching is top of mind, especially for the winter holiday months. Experiment with bolder hues like deep blue, emerald green or rich burgundy paired with metallics for a modern twist,” she says. Balance bold colours with real or high-quality artificial greenery.

USE UNEXPECTED ITEMS. When decorating a Christmas tree or creating a tablescape, Thornton loves to use interesting objects not always found in traditional décor. “This will add an element of personalization and is a fun way to change up your décor each year. One year, I found these stunning chinoiserie teapots that looked incredible with the navy and cream theme I was embracing, so I attached six of them to my tree.”

CREATE PERSONALIZED TABLE SETTINGS. Mixing in old with the new can incorporate your family’s traditions. “I love using my grandmother’s old crystal candlesticks, as they pick up the candlelight and resemble glittering icicles,” Thornton says. “If you are still storing old family china or goblets, now is the time to put them to good use.”

Six holiday décor trends

Whether you’re just building your holiday décor collection or want to refresh an existing collection, you’re sure to find plenty of choice at your favourite shops. We’ve pulled together some décor trends that just might help you find your style.

Below are Rona’s holiday trends from Lydia Thammavong, head design, styles and trends:

1. Retro Fun. “This festive, colourful collection is inspired by the world of fairy tales, grandma’s baking, winter imagery and woodlands. Its retro colour palette features whispers of bubblegum pink and baby blue against a backdrop of vibrant green and classic red,” she says. “Some ornaments are knit in wool to evoke the warmth of handmade gifts, while others feature a satin or reflective finish to add a little sparkle.”
2. Enchanted Forest. “This theme is all about quiet luxury and the beauty of nature, elevated by stylized, textural details that add glamour. Refined, shimmering ornaments add a subtle pop of colour, contrast and personality, and stand out prettily against a neutral colour palette and natural materials such aspale wood and burlap.”

3. Vintage Elegance. This  collection celebrates nostalgia and the aesthetics of yesteryear with ornaments that are timeless and traditional. The dark, rich colour palette of burgundy reds, navy blues and antique greens evokes the elegant bourgeois décors of bygone days, while textured ornaments with velvety, pearly finishes and highlights of gold and glitter delivera moody, chic and elegant décor, Thammavong notes.

Below are The Home Depot Canada’s top décor picks from trend and design manager Carla Moreira:

4. Quiet Beauty. This theme is about warmer iced looks with less focus on sparkle and glamour and more focus on warmth, comfort and natural materials.
5. Gold Rush. This sophisticated and dramatic theme, inspired from Art Deco, consists of a simple yet striking colour palette of high contrast metallics and black accent décor. “It sets the stage with clean and tailored deco influences, making it the perfect transition to New Year’s celebrations,” Moreira says. “Materials are luxe and elevated, celebrating the season in high style.”

6. Crafted Cabin. “Crafted Cabin is a fresh cheerful take on a classic Christmas story but refreshed for 2024 with artisan and Craftsman influences. Ski cabins, bells and candy canes are some of the key icons present in this collection.”